The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) held a "Search for a Jingle" competition for the 2008 School Year. The student body was invited to participate by writing a 60 second jingle for the upcoming Spring Registration Campaign. Students were asked to come up with catchy lyrics that would both promote the programmes offered at BTVI and would appeal to our target audience.
Dr Iva Dahl, Manager/Consultant of BTVI expressing her enthusiasm about the competition, said, "We are excited about the jingle competition, it introduces a different approach to marketing to the public".

The winner of the competition was recently announced. Taking home the prize, was Darren Johnson, Computer Repair student and member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force-Fire Division. Darren, whose entry just made the deadline, won by writing and producing a fun, simple, yet effective piece that vividly captures the message and targets the audience that we aim to attract. Persons interested in hearing the Jingle can go online at www.btvi.org.bs.

The students of the Construction Programmes at Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) are well on their way to becoming "Work Safe Students". For the past few weeks the students have been learning about Work Force Safety. This programme that has been apart of BTVI curriculum helps to educate students on the importance of workplace safety and health habbits that will aid in protecting them and their coworkers at work.
On Tuesday, Mr. Reuben Ogbogbo (Instructor) and his students warmly welcomed guest speaker Mr. Ravi Bhaktha, Project Manager at Cavalier Construction who spoke on the topic of Job Safety in Workplace.

Hundreds of students will enter the Construction workforce this year and while these students are an excellent asset to the Construction Industry, they are also at a risk of being injured if proper safety training isn't provided, said Mr. Bhaktha. "As an employer, we want to provide tools to keep our employees safe and aware." It is essential that business understand the importance of safety and that they recognize that specific training needs to be geared towards these Junior Craftsmen entering the workforce.
"BTVI wants to reinforce to our students that accidents can and do happen," Mr. Ogbogbo said. "We also want to provide more work shops for our students so that they can see that industry is taking the right steps toward their safety. "Workplace safety is our passion, and these seminars empower our students to know their rights and make safe decisions on the job,"said Sean Adderley, Public Relations Officer at BTVI.

The shelves at The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) Construction Department is the recipient of a $7,000 book donation presented on Friday by The Albany Vice President Dr. Mckenzie and President of The Bahamas Contractors Association, Mr. Steven Wrinkle.
The donation received by Dr. Iva Dahl, Manager/Consultant at BTVI will enhance resources available for Instructors of the Construction Trade Programmes. Instructors will benefit from books by the National Center For Construction Education And Research (NCEER).
“We know that additional resource material will complement existing skills and knowledge,” said Dr. Iva Dahl. “Our students will be the beneficiary of the Technical resources. The books donated by The Albany Project will ensure that our students receive essential information which will contribute to their success in their programme of studies.”
This book donation demonstrates The Albany Projects commitment to helping BTVI’s students reach their full potential and will also aid our students in improving their performance in the classroom and equally important, increase their interest in their programme of studies.

High School students will receive technical skills training in Plumbing, Welding, Carpentry, Tiling, Drywall Installation and Masonry while attending Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) Strategic Technical and Educational Preparation Programmes (S.T.E.P)

The S.T.E.P Programme links government high schools and BTVI in yet another unique learning opportunity for students. Since 2006, BTVI has worked with the schools to provide Technical and Vocational Training for seniors. The Programme which began with a single high school has now grown to seven high schools with a total of 110 students enrolled in the programme.

“We are extremely excited about participating in the S.T.E.P programme this year,” said Mrs. Major Principal of Doris Johnson High School. “We believe that this programme will make a tremendous difference in our student’s lives.”

The program provides students with a foundation in the various trades and gives them both classroom and real-world experiences in construction. It is also designed to give the students a competitive edge when applying for technical jobs after graduation. The students take Introduction Principles in their selected trade area in the First semester. The Second is when students begin work on projects.

“BTVI is pleased to partner with the high schools, with whom we have had a long-standing, strong relationship,” said Mr. Sean Adderley Public Relations Officer at BTVI. “This is a wonderful option for students who desire a different approach to the high school environment as they prepare for Technical coursework.”

Mr. Adderley also mentioned the high volume calls from parents wanting to have their child participate in the programme but, due to BTVI facility and our regular students’ space is limited.

Students completing the Programme will be encouraged to apply for the Advanced Second Level Programmes at BTVI. The knowledge acquired through the Advanced Second Level programme also may help the young graduates find jobs in other professions that require technical skills, specifically in the construction field.

Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) Cosmetology Instructors under the direction of Mrs. Andrea Beneby-Taylor, Cosmetology Coordinator, have successfully completed the Instructor Enhancement Training Programme at Dudley Cosmetology University (DCU). DCU was selected because the most creative, innovative and successful cosmetologists attend Dudley Cosmetology University to receive the advanced training, knowledge and skills they need to operate a successful school and provide clients with the most up-to-date styling techniques and hairstyle trends.

BTVI instructors were able to study under the direction of highly skilled staff who are world class leaders in the filed of cosmetology. Their intensive advanced training consisted of instruction for certified students or cosmetologists that desire to build and rebuild confidence as well as enhance and modernize their existing skills.

“Today, our student hairstylists require the latest in education and industry related services; as well as being ready to enter future employment opportunities. Today students all come from the “digital generation” and require updated information through computers. Power point presentations and computer instructions and that is why it is important that our instructors stay ahead in this field said Mrs. Taylor.”

BTVI has educated hundreds of students in the field of cosmetology. The Institution continues to inspire students to achieve their goals and identify their creative potential. BTVI realizes the importance of using the latest state-of-the-art equipment and well trained instructors to constantly inspire and always pass that inspiration on to the graduating students.

Students gathered at The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI) this week for orientation. Excited and also a little nervous, new students began arriving as early as 8:00am to take their seats and begin the day’s festivities.

The session began with a warm welcome from BTVI Manager/Consultant, Dr. Iva Dahl, followed by various speakers from different departments of the school. Mrs. Abigail Sands, Acting Coordinator of Student Affairs. Mrs. Sands energized the students with some fun facts about BTVI.

The published agenda included; Registration, Students Right’s and Responsibilities, Campus Rules and Regulations. These and other topics were structured to help the students know about institute policies and to understand what is expected of them when they begin their Technical and Vocational experience.

Following a morning of information, students enjoyed a tour of the campus and refreshments. During this time of fellowship, students were given the opportunity to meet and time with their Head of Departments as well as other new students.

The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute (BTVI), our nation’s premier institution for technical and vocational education is currently accepting applications for the Fall Semester which will begin September 1, 2008.

According to Public Relations Officer, Sean Adderley, first time students should have recently received packets from BTVI informing them about the registration process. “Returning and first time students are being encouraged to register early to ensure that they secure a seat in the classes needed for their programme of study,” said Adderley. “The public is also encouraged to contact us at 502-6300 or visit our Admissions Office at the Old Trail Campus for more information. BTVI offers a wide variety of courses that should fit into any schedule, from day and evening classes to short courses,” explained Adderley.

Financial Aid is available through the Financial Aid Office to eligible candidates. According to Financial Aid Officer Ms. Smith at BTVI, “Limited Financial Aid is still available for the Fall Semester. Interested persons are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office to find if they will be eligible to receive aid.” About 30 percent of the students who currently attend BTVI receive some type of financial assistance, so students should not allow financial hardships prevent them from applying. “I encourage students to contact me so that I can help facilitate the financial aid process,” she said.

BTVI offers over twenty certificate programs in vocational and technical education these programmes prepare our students to enter the workforce with specific skills. BTVI has an outstanding record of producing students who are capable entrepreneurs and skillful labourers with more than 80 percent of BTVI students are employed upon graduation or choose to continue their education in another exciting program at BTVI.